Alumni News
MDiv student Inyeop Choi (’26) a Finalist in 2026 BU Global Programs Photo Contest
Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is proud to celebrate third-year Master of Divinity (MDiv) student Inyeop Choi (’26), who was named a finalist in the Boston University Global Programs 2026 Photo Contest.
This year’s competition drew more than 807 submissions from 337 members of the Boston University community, including students, faculty, and staff. Inyeop's photograph stood out among the entries and was selected as one of just seven finalist images submitted by graduate students across the University.
Inyeop captured his photo, titled "Bimi," during a BUSTH–sponsored travel seminar to Brazil last year. The image reflects both the global engagement and theological curiosity that define the BUSTH travel seminar experience, highlighting the intersections of culture, faith, and lived experience.
"Bimi is a shaman in an Indigenous community in the Amazon," says Inyeop. "She and I talked, laughed, and walked together beyond the boundaries of race, culture, and language. What moved me was the moment she became intimately connected with the natural world in a way that revealed her deep spirituality. In that moment, I was drawn not simply to document her as the other, but to see a human being encountering the Earth. Bimi and I still keep in touch to this day."
We congratulate Inyeop on this remarkable achievement and celebrate the way his work represents the School of Theology’s commitment to global learning and creative expression.
MDiv student Bernard Hemans chosen for 2026 FASPE Ethics Fellowship
Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce that current Master of Divinity (MDiv) student Bernard Hemans ('27) is one of 14 Fellows chosen for the 2026 Clergy Program of the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE). FASPE annually grants 80-90 Fellowships to graduate students and early-career professionals in the fields of business, clergy, design and technology, journalism, law, and medicine. Fellows participate in a two-week program in Germany and Poland, which uses the conduct of professionals in Nazi-occupied Europe as an initial framework for approaching ethical responsibility in the professions today. The 2026 Fellowship will take place in Germany and Poland over the course of two weeks this summer.
“We are living in a fraught moment when professionals face crucial ethical choices that in some instances are reminiscent of choices professionals faced in Nazi Germany. FASPE’s emphasis on examining why so many professionals made poor choices, how we might identify with their decision-making, and the horrific consequences of their choices helps to instill in professionals a rigorous and reflective approach that is valuable at any time, but particularly in a perilous moment like this one,” said Noah Bookbinder, FASPE’s CEO.
Bernard Hemans is a chaplain intern at Seafarer's Friend, a nonprofit serving seafarers in the terminals of Boston. Drawing on seven years as a regional youth pastor and his experience founding a church in Tarkwa, Ghana, Bernard brings deep pastoral wisdom to his academic and ministerial development. He serves as a graduate assistant on the Lilly Endowments-funded project Accompanying Immigrant Christian Families Across Generations, supporting African immigrant congregations across Boston. Bernard also serves as operations coordinator for the BUSTH Student Association and as a guest preacher at Union Congregational Church in Braintree, MA.
Thinking ahead to the upcoming fellowship trip, Hemans shared, “My participation in FASPE would deepen my ethical leadership in chaplaincy and pastoral ministry while connecting me with a network of committed professionals and equipping me to serve my communities in Boston and Ghana with greater moral courage.”
Hemans joins a diverse group of 84 FASPE Fellows across all six programs who were chosen through a competitive process that drew over 1,400 applicants from across the US and the world. FASPE covers all program costs, including travel, food and lodging.
To learn more about FASPE and its programs, visit www.faspe-ethics.org.
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About Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE)
FASPE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote ethical leadership and responsibility among professionals beginning with recognition of the influence that professionals have on all aspects of society. Its distinctive methodology examines the behavior and motivations of the professionals who enabled and enacted Nazi policies to establish the importance and urgency of self-awareness, professionalism, and ethical leadership today.
Contact: Haley Gorda, Communications Manager
hgorda@faspe-ethics.org
(646) 405-5956
PhD Student Laura Stein (’27) featured in The Brink for Study of Clergy Burnout
The following is an excerpt from The Brink's article “Finding her Voice, in Song and Healing Research at Boston University” by Rich Barlow, featuring current PhD student Laura Stein ('27), originally published on April 7, 2026.
“Voice is so precious to me,” says Laura Stein, who teaches and sings God’s praise on weekends as an ordained cantor at synagogues in New York. But “voice” means more than hitting the right notes.
A few years back, while studying simultaneously to be a cantor and a social worker, Stein learned of pay inequities between male and female Jewish clerics. Of course, she knew of broader inequities outside of Jewish life too.
“I wanted to shift the ‘using of my voice’ from singing and leading prayer to advocating for change,” she says. “My cantorial education taught me how to understand justice; my social work practice taught me how to live it.”
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Reverend Dean T. Austin (’63)
The following obituary was originally published by Oaks Hines Funeral Home and Crematory and can be found here.
Dean Thomas Austin, 89, born May 3, 1936, died Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 7:15 a.m. He was born on May 3, 1936, in Macon County Illinois, to Thomas and Verna (Miller) Austin. They preceded him in death as well as four sisters, and three brothers.
Dean is survived by his wife Linda (Lynge) Austin. They shared 58 years of marriage. Also surviving are two daughters, Sarah (Paul) Harris, and Deborah (Michael) Geraci, two granddaughters, Isabella Geraci, and Michaela Geraci, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dean was a member of Shield’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Canton Morning Star Lodge #734 A.F. & A.M., Fisherman’s Club and the United Methodist Church Brotherhood. Dean served for 35 years as a Minister at various local Methodist churches. He loved spending time with his family and will be remembered as being a friend to all.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A Masonic service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 1pm a.m. with a funeral service to follow.
Reverend Marty Ellison will conduct the funeral service. Burial will immediately follow the services on Monday at Shield’s Chapel Cemetery in Canton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Preacher’s Aid Society, (P.O. Box 19207 Springfield), IL, 62794-9207, or www.pasbf.org, or to Shield’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Reverend Alexander Lee (’02)
The following obituary was originally published by Legacy Obituaries and can be found here.
Alexander J. Lee February 15, 1942 March 1, 2026 Alexander J. Lee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and minister, passed away peacefully at home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, on March 1, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with Alzheimer s disease.
Alexander was born in South Korea on February 15, 1942. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Chung-Ang University in 1968 and went on to receive a Master s degree in Chemistry from the same institution in 1970. He immigrated to the United States in 1972, and decades later, he pursued his calling in ministry and earned a Doctorate in Theology from Boston University in 2002.
Alexander s life reflected a deep intellectual curiosity and a fearless willingness to follow his passions wherever they led. He worked for many years as a chemist and later pursued entrepreneurial ventures before answering a call to ministry. As an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, he devoted himself to spiritual guidance, teaching and supporting his community.
Alexander dedicated much of his life to learning, service, and family. He approached life with remarkable resilience and strength, overcoming many challenges while continuing to pursue knowledge, purpose, and spirituality. He could just as easily engage in thoughtful conversations about religious history as he could be the life of the party, bringing laughter and energy to those around him. He instilled that same curiosity and courage to pursue one s passions in his daughters, a legacy that continues through them.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jae Sook Lee; his daughters, Jessica (Lee) Moronta and Michelle-Kim (Lee) Cohen; and his sons-in-law, Arly Moronta and Bret J. Cohen.
In his later years, Alexander embraced what may have been his greatest and most joyful role - that of grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, Alexa Moronta, Ava Moronta, and Lee Cohen, taking immense pride in watching them grow and cherishing every moment spent together. He also leaves behind two much-loved grand-puppies, Baxter and Winston, who brought him great joy.
Alexander built a beautiful life alongside his devoted wife. Together they created a loving family and a home filled with warmth, faith, and perseverance. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Music Director and Organist, Part Time, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish: Sharon, MA
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish is seeking a skilled and faith grounded Music Director and Organist to lead and grow our vibrant liturgical music program. This hourly role includes providing music for all weekend liturgies, directing the parish adult and family choirs, planning music in collaboration with the Pastor, and supporting the prayerful, communal worship life of the parish.
The position offers a consistent weekly rhythm with additional seasonal hours based on the liturgical calendar (e.g. Christmas and Easter), separate compensation for funerals and weddings, and eligibility for medical, dental, retirement, and approved professional development benefits. We welcome candidates with strong musical leadership, experience in liturgical settings, and a desire to serve a warm, engaged, and musical Catholic community.
For more information and to view the job description, visit olossharon.org.
Music Director, Part Time, Hope Lutheran Church: Woburn, MA
Hope Lutheran Church is excited to identify our newest staff member who will uplift our congregation’s music ministry. Our Reconciling in Christ ELCA congregation welcomes applications for music director. We are a transforming community rooted in faith in Christ who are searching for a musician to guide and grow our music program.
Music Ministry
1. Music director - Professional musician
a. Instrumentalist: plans and performs instrumental music for worship (prelude, postlude, offertory etc.) as well as liturgical music. Excels at organ and piano performance. Additional instrumental talent welcome.
b. Direct choir: chooses music and directs choir, provides or contracts instrumental accompaniment music for worship. Offers regular in season choir practice.
c. Coordinator of varied music offerings of congregation: Engages congregants in musical offerings to lift up their musical offerings. Identifying musicians, creating opportunities for participation
d. Collaborate with the pastor and worship and music team
e. Expected to play for worship, especially major church festival dates
f. Contracted for 12-20 hours weekly
g. Salary range: $12k - $30k, depending upon level of expertise and experience
The music director will serve as an excellent musician, flexible to be on site in both Woburn (3-4 Sundays), occasionally non-Sunday worship and Malden (1-2 Sundays) monthly. The musical offerings should represent diverse genres. The director will facilitate substitute coverage and make recommendations as needed as to instrument maintenance.
If interested in the position, please contact George Brickley at <hopelutheranma@gmail.com> for more information and to apply for an interview.
Additional Information
Hope Lutheran will be formed this summer after a merger between First Lutheran of Malden and Redeemer Lutheran of Woburn. Hope will reside in Woburn at the Redeemer church address.
Minister, Part-Time, Harrisena Community Church: Queensbury, NY
Harrisena Community Church, an independent, non-denominational congregation in Queensbury, New York, is seeking a Part-Time Minister (20 hours per week) to lead the church in worship, discipleship, and community engagement.
Position Overview
This position is structured as follows:
● 10 hours per week for sermon, preparation and leadership of Sunday worship services
● 10 hours per week for adult education, pastoral care, and visitations
The Minister will work with church leadership to strengthen the congregation’s vision of discipleship, support outreach to the greater community, and creatively share the church’s overall ministry.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
● Ordained or certified minister
● Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree
● Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree
Candidates should also:
● Embrace diversity in modern Christian thought
● Be comfortable with both traditional and contemporary forms of worship
● Support active outreach to the greater community
● Demonstrate creativity, compassion, and collaborative leadership in ministry
Compensation & Housing (Parsonage Provided)
Salary: $20,000 annually (20 hours per week) This position includes a parsonage:
● Four-bedroom, 1.5-bath, two-story home with garage
● Located in the Lake George School District
About the Area
Queensbury is located in Upstate New York near Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains and offers year-round outdoor recreation, strong schools, and convenient access to Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, and the greater Capital Region.
Application Process
Please email a cover letter and resume to the Search Committee at: pamjloab@gmail.com
For additional information, contact: Doris O’Rourke
Phone: 518-793-8842
Email: dorisorourke55@gmail.com
An Easter Message from Dean Pak: 2026
The Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35)
Imagine that the world as you have known it has ceased to be. Imagine that the logic with which you have approached your life no longer seems to hold. Imagine that the hope of a bright future is called acutely into question. Oh. We don’t really have to imagine.
Frequently over the past year, we find ourselves in the devastating world of the disciples hiding in the Upper Room, in the crushing reality of the former followers of Jesus fleeing Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. Years of faithfully following a divine call had ended with the death of their Lord on the cross. They had come to the end of the road. All they could do was pick up the pieces and take a different road, the road to Emmaus, leaving behind their broken dreams.
A stranger joins them on their mournful journey, and they recount to him the shocking events of the past three days. The stranger listens with compassion. And then the stranger recounts a larger story; the stranger speaks into existence a renewed reality.
This Stranger reminds them of the many times when those who have gone before thought they had reached the end of the road. They thought they would live their whole existence enslaved to the Egyptians, and Moses came with the booming words of God, “Let my people go.” They thought the Egyptians would overtake them as they fled, and then the seas were parted. They ran out of food in the wilderness, and manna and quail fell from the heavens. There were many Goliaths to be faced, but one small stone of David could change the course of history. When the people were taken into captivity and exile, the God of the oppressed, the God of the widow and the orphan, the God who is no stranger to sorrow, that God restored their fortunes and secured their well-being.
On this Road to Emmaus, eyes are opened with sudden recognition of the ways the Divine has been present all along.
Oh, yes, and when they ran out of food by the Sea of Galilee, five loaves and two fish fed a multitude. When a storm rose up suddenly on the sea, and fear of perishing overwhelmed them, the storms in their hearts and sea were stilled with unfathomable peace. When the story had seemingly ended in a criminal’s death on the cross, this loving Stranger—this Stranger who has become a companion not only in sorrow but in renewed hope reorients a seeming ending toward renewed vocation.
On this Road to Emmaus, eyes are opened with sudden recognition of the ways the Divine has been present all along—mourning, sustaining, comforting, healing, restoring. When all seemed lost, our hearts burn within us, discovering a renewed vision of God’s sustaining grace. The Road to Emmaus led a people transformed in faith and fragility back to Jerusalem, to be and to become a people of rekindled life in the face of death, deepened vocation, and reclaimed community.
– G. Sujin Pak, dean
PhD student Laura Stein (’27) published opinion article in Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The following is an excerpt from the opinion article “We know how to prevent Jewish clergy from burning out. Why aren't we doing it?” by PhD student Laura Stein, published on March 6, 2026. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Boston University School of Theology, its employees, faculty, or students.
During my early years of cantorial school, I noticed a significant gap in my studies. While the coursework included extensive classes on biblical grammar, liturgy and text study, I received only surface-level training in providing pastoral care, and little attention was given to my character development, spiritual formation, or to learning to tend to my own well-being as I prepared for a career in religious leadership.
I was being taught, sure. But was I being formed? That question would later inform my understanding of clergy burnout as structural — rooted not in individual weakness, but in how seminaries are training clergy long before they enter the field.
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